Anthony Leigh Dower, Suzie Lightfoot, Darb Couture. Mention these names in Brisbane and one event springs to mind – the RAQ Fashion Design Awards.
The inaugural awards, sponsored by the then Retail Association of Queensland represented the epitome of Queensland style, showcasing the glamorous and glitzy collections of emerging designers for 29 years before sadly folding in 2009, leaving a gap in the design space.
Luckily, for fashion designers and fashion lovers alike, exciting times are ahead as the NRA partners with Brisbane Fashion Month to present the much anticipated 2017 BFM Creative Fashion Awards.
A modern take on the iconic RAQ awards, the BFM Creative Fashion Awards are set to be the star affair of Brisbane Fashion Month’s festivities, that will run in Brisbane throughout October.
The awards will kick off on October 5 with a runway show in Queen Street mall where a panel of elite fashion personnel including Fashion Weekly Director Stacey O’Keeffe will judge entrants’ designs, offering finalists the opportunity to showcase their works within the CBD’s Wintergarden from October 9-19 where the public will vote on their favourite piece.
The three final entrants works will be displayed at the finale red-carpet runway event on October 25, where the lucky winner will be announced and awarded with a prize that promises to help ignite their career within the creative fashion industry.
NRA CEO Dominique Lamb said the Association was excited to support BFM in bringing back the 1st state-wide creative fashion competition since 2009.
“The BFM Awards are a wonderful opportunity to not only showcase local talent, but also unite fashion enthusiasts and reengage the creative industry and link back into the retail sector,” she said.
“The awards will put Brisbane back on the fashion map by providing a substantial platform for national media coverage and audience engagement.”
The awards are open to all local fashion designers, artists, stylists and milliners.
Brisbane Fashion Month will be celebrated with a series of fresh and innovative events held throughout the month alongside the awards, including Q&A’s, a fashion film festival, blogger brunch, and make your own leggings workshop.
See more information about Brisbane Fashion Month presented by Wintergarden here.